MacT's Lost the 'Sphere

Craig MacTavish is under fire. He has been since before the Stanley run in '06. Talk radio types have been calling for his head for years. But through it all, he's been steadfastly defended from 2 very distinct corners - Oilers Management and the Oilogosphere. Bloggers tend to love MacT - he's a smart man obviously, a smart coach, and a great quote. When the hoards rant that he ruins young players and can't coach talent, the generally level headed fans in the 'sphere defend. Point to a player that's gone on to have success after leaving MacTavish's side - outside of Cleary, who credits MacT for much of his turnaround. MacTavish took the most talented team he's been given to the Finals in '06 - three series were won on what was largely better game planning than the opposing coach.

Fast forward to 2008. Garon is on the bench, Gagner is killing penalties, Cole and Pisani playing out of position, and now Smid is a forward while last years Coaches Pet sits in the pressbox to watch 2 AHLers and a D-man play the 4th line minutes. I don't know if he's lost the ear of his team, but it appears the Coach has lost the 'Sphere.

Quotes from LT's GDT:
*I can't believe they're playing Strudwick over Smid. That's more senseless a decisionthan Gagner taking a PK shift or Garon not playing - Slipper

*Well you know I think they've quit on the coach. He's lost them. That's honestly how I feel, and anyone reading this blog knows there's a MacT bias. - Lowetide

*If that's the best they can come up with on home ice after 5 days rest, it's time for a change. This formula isn't working.....I can't explain half the stuff he's been doing, to be honest with you. More than half ... and I'm a MacT guy, trying hard to see the logic behind early season experimentation. - Bruce

*I've never been one to throw this out lightly but it honestly looks like a lot of guys have checked out mentally....It might be time for somebody to go and maybe both Peeters and MacT can fly to fuck. - Dennis

MacT's days would seem to be numbered.